When I travel, I’m all about finding authentic experiences—the kind that doesn’t involve standing in endless lines, wading through crowds, or elbowing my way to get a glimpse of something.
After spending over three months in Europe, I’ll tell you something that’s rather obvious: cathedrals and art museums are everywhere. Sure, some are worth a visit, but at a certain point, they start to blend together—not to mention, the admission fees add up fast.
If you’re not particularly into art museums, or you’re sticking to a budget, or just looking for something different to do in Paris, this guide has you covered.
There’s so much more to this city than the usual tourist circuit, and I’m here to help you discover the other side of it.
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Table of Contents
Unique Things To Do In Paris (Other Than Art Museums)
First, take some time to reflect on what your interests are. Do you like parks and nature? Kitschy or themed museums, as opposed to traditional art museums? Music and the performing arts?
I fall into this category–the traveler who isn’t too fond of spending her time stuck indoors looking at art exhibits day in and day out. I’d much rather be out there roaming the streets and getting to know the city on a deeper level, which means checking out the lesser-known attractions of a destination city.
Here’s a guide on what to do when you’re not feeling the top attractions listed on all those other Paris guides (Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, etc).
The first section will cover off-beat museums in Paris, perfect for weirdos out there like me who are over the standard art museum.
Musée des Arts Forains
Musée des Arts Forains is my all-time favorite activity in Paris! I cannot gush about this lesser-known museum enough.
As soon as you step into the Pavillons de Bercy, you will forget everything that belongs to your modern, technologically advanced life. Musée des Arts Forains (or Museum of Fairground Arts in English) takes you off the beaten path as you enjoy feeling like a kid again, except now you’re a kid in the 1800-1900’s.
This interactive museum holds a unique collection of performing arts objects from the 19th and 20th centuries. Think vintage carnival games, merry-go-rounds, and contraptions.
It is a timeless getaway into the themes of curiosity cabinets, carnivals, incredible gardens, and pure vaudeville joy.
The super fun thing about it is that the rides and games actually work! We played the game where you race horses by flinging a ball into holes, rode a couple of vintage merry-go-rounds, and saw so many old animatronics come to life. It was a total feast for the senses!
Pro Tip: You’ll need to book a tour, and the English tours are limited. I attended the French tour and was provided with an English handout so I could follow along with what the tour guide was saying. Nevertheless, I had an amazing experience here. Once you hop on the merry-go-round or the bicycle ride and begin playing the carnival games, you forget that you can’t speak French.
Take a food tour in the hip neighborhood of Belleville
Belleville isn’t just another Parisian neighborhood—it’s one of the city’s most diverse, artistic, and authentic areas, with deep roots in immigrant culture and a varied food scene that blends French, North African, Asian, and Middle Eastern influences.
A food tour here is an insider’s journey into a side of Paris most tourists never experience.
On this 3-hour walking food tour, you’ll start with locally roasted coffee and a fresh pastry at an independent café before heading to a family-run bakery to see how real baguettes and croissants are made (and, of course, taste them fresh from the oven).
Subsequent stops include visiting a chocolate maker, a Moroccan or Algerian patisserie for honey-soaked sweets, and a Lebanese deli for mezze.
As you weave through the streets, you’ll also discover incredible street art, a signature of Belleville’s underground creative scene. Finish the tour at a classic Parisian bistro for a wine and cheese tasting and some expertly sliced charcuterie.
Père Lachaise Cemetery
Located in the northeast corner of Paris, the Père Lachaise Cemetery is the most visited cemetery in the world. Still, it’s nowhere as busy as top attractions like the Louvre or the Notre Dame.
It is the burial site of numerous French authors, writers, and musicians, including Jim Morrison, Chopin, Moliere, Edith Piaf, Rossini, and Oscar Wilde.
Spend an hour or two strolling around and enjoying your surroundings here. To learn more about its secrets, stories, and notable sights that not many know about, consider exploring the cemetery with a local guide:
Take a free walking tour of the city
France has so much history and culture, and I find that “free” walking tours are an amazing way to learn about Paris for super cheap.
There are so many neighborhoods and theme options to choose from, including these more interesting ones: Paris hidden gems, Montmartre, Le Marais (the Latin Quarter), food-themed tours, literary-themed tours, and even ghost tours at night.
There are tons of tip-based walking tours in Paris, so do your research to see which company vibes with you the most. You can browse through a whole bunch of them on FREETOUR.
Pro tip: I tend to go for the smaller tour companies! Oftentimes, they give you a more authentic story of the city as they’re run by locals who are truly passionate about their city.
Looking for even more themed tours? While the below aren’t free, these tours sure are going to elevate your trip to Paris:
- chocolate and pastry tour
- hidden gems in Paris by bike
- Taste of Montmartre food tour
- ghost and legends night walk
- cheese and wine tasting
During my personal trip research, these were some of the ones that stood out to me the most. When I get the chance, I’m going to do all of these.
The Catacombs
Deep below the Paris streets, there are almost 200 miles of ancient mine shafts and underground tunnels lined with human skeletons representing over 2,000 years of history. The popular site houses the skeletal remains of six to seven million former Parisians.
These days, it’s not as “off the beaten path” as some guidebooks suggest. Often, the wait to get in is way over an hour. To avoid the long line, you’ll want to snag your skip-the-line tickets ahead of time.
Pro Tip: If you want to wait in line, get there WAY before 9am. I’ve read of people getting in line at 9am, and didn’t actually enter the stairway to the Catabombs until 90 minutes later. The long wait time is due to the 200-person restriction in the catacombs. If you know you’re not going to make it that early, just get the skip-the-line tickets to save your precious time.
Musée Carnavalet
Musée Carnavalet is a museum dedicated to objects from Paris’ past. Occupying two neighboring historical mansions, the Carnavalet Museum (Musée Carnavalet) in Paris tells the story of the city from its founding.
Sounds like a boring history museum, until you consider the fact that it houses these items: personal items belonging to Marie-Antoinette, paintings of Madame de Sévigné who was considered the most beautiful woman in Paris, Napoleon’s case of toiletries and his death mask, an Art Nouveau jewelry boutique of Georges Fouquet, and French Revolution objects such as guillotine toys made of bone.
Musée de l’Histoire de la Médecine
If seeing some of the oldest medical collections in the world excites you, Musée de l’Histoire de la Médecine is for you.
This museum features collections dating back to the 18th century, showcasing the evolution of medical instruments. It’s one of the oldest medical collections in Europe focusing on rare surgical instruments.
As a science major, I’m a total geek for this kind of stuff. It’s crazy to see how far we’ve come from a medical and scientific perspective. Definitely worth checking out if you’re into health and medicine. There’s a small entry fee of 3.50€, cash only.
The museum’s opening hours are super limited: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 2pm to 5:30pm.
Musée de la Vie Romantique
In a nutshell, Musée de la Vie Romantique is exactly what it sounds like: a museum dedicated to life in the Romantic period.
Part of the fun about being in Paris is embracing the culture of love! This is a very pretty house from the early 19th Century that houses a collection where you can learn about the French movement of “romantique”.
The outdoor garden and cafe is one of the city’s most beautiful hidden escapes and is definitely worth a visit. Spend some time sitting among the lush surroundings with a tea or coffee and enjoy the peace of it all.
Pro Tip: You might not know what you’re looking at since placards are in French, but the charm of the property and ambiance of being in the garden might be worth it. While the entire museum is usually free, only a section of the museum is accessible for free when a temporary exhibition is happening.
Palais Galliera (Paris Fashion Museum)
Calling all fashion lovers! It only makes sense that Paris—home to one of the world’s most iconic Fashion Weeks—would have a museum dedicated to its rich fashion culture.
Palais Galliera is a must if you love architecture and fashion.
Housed in a beautiful historic mansion, the Palais Galliera showcases a rotating collection of legendary designers, fashion icons, and the styles that have shaped the industry. With exhibits that dive into the evolution of fashion, influences, and inspirations, this museum is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates couture and craftsmanship.
Jardin Du Luxembourg
Jardin Du Luxembourg is a personal favorite of mine. It’s a must-see garden for relaxing, enjoying a croissant, and people-watching.
It’s a beautifully decorated space with endless entertaining activities. I’m talking pony rides, merry-go-rounds, and carousels for the kids and enjoying chess and boules for the adults. The park is also known for its famous Guignol puppet show (puppetry hailing from Lyon), which I am a huge fan of.
I’d come here on some downtime, pull up a chair (they’re located all around the park), rest my feet, and just watch the world go by with a croissant in hand.
Jardin Des Tuileries
Jardin des Tuileries is the perfect place to take a break while soaking in Parisian history and daily life. Lined with sculptures by artists like Rodin and Maillol, the garden feels like an open-air museum where art and nature blend seamlessly.
Plus the park’s colorful flowers and perfectly trimmed bushes make it such a delight to stroll through.
This garden park gives you awesome views of the Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe. It now includes fun and festive activities such as a merry-go-round and swing boats, or you can feed your belly at one of the crepe and cotton candy stands.
Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen
If you love vintage shopping or digging for hidden treasures, the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen is an absolute must. Spanning over 7 hectares with more than 2,500 stalls, it’s one of the largest flea markets in the world.
The market is divided into several sections: Paul Bert Serpette is high-end, full of antique furniture and art, while Marché Dauphine has a mix of vintage clothing, books, and records. If you’re after quirkier finds, Marché Vernaison is packed with trinkets, retro décor, and one-of-a-kind oddities.
Don’t be afraid to bargain—negotiating is part of the experience!
To navigate it like a pro, start early (it gets crowded by midday), wear comfortable shoes, and bring cash—many vendors don’t take cards.
Explore Le Marais
If I could visit one neighborhood again and again, it would be Le Marais. This bohemian neighborhood is one of Paris’ coolest and hippest areas.
Le Marais is one of those neighborhoods where it pays to wander aimlessly—some of my best finds have come from unplanned discoveries, like Yann Couvreur Pâtisserie (Rosiers), which we stumbled into while waiting for L’As du Fallafel (a must for its overstuffed, flavor-packed falafel pita).
Spend an afternoon soaking in the liveliness, eating at as many Parisian boulangeries and Jewish restaurants as possible, and shopping at the plentiful independent boutiques. Rue St. Antoine and Rue des Rosiers are two of the more bustling streets in the area.
Where To Eat/Drink
- Carette – A classic Parisian café with amazing hot chocolate and buttery croissants.
- Chez Janou – A cozy Provençal restaurant with an absurdly long pastis menu and excellent chocolate mousse.
- Benoit – A historic bistro by Alain Ducasse serving classic French dishes in an old-school setting.
- Au Petit Fer à Cheval – A tiny bar with a horseshoe-shaped counter, great for a casual drink.
Where to Shop
- Merci – A stylish concept store with curated fashion, home goods, and a cozy café.
- Buly 1803 – An old-world perfumery and beauty shop with gorgeously packaged products.
- Papier Tigre – A design-forward stationery shop that’s a dream for paper lovers.
- Maison Labiche – Parisian brand known for its embroidered tees with cool, minimalist designs.
- Vintage Shops – Check out Kilo Shop, Thanx God I’m a V.I.P., or Free’P’Star for secondhand treasures.
Honestly, I’m so glad I splurged on a hotel in this neighborhood on my first-ever trip to Paris. It was so convenient and homey to walk downstairs, pick up a baguette, jam, and cheeses, and head back to my studio room. If you can swing it, I’d highly recommend staying in this neighborhood over any of the other ones!
Marché Bastille (Marché Richard Lenoir)
If you want to experience a classic Parisian market with a bit of everything, Marché Bastille is the place to go. Held every Thursday and Sunday along Boulevard Richard Lenoir, this massive open-air market is packed with stalls selling seasonal produce, farm-fresh cheeses, fresh seafood, artisanal bread, rotisserie chickens, and colorful flowers.
It’s a favorite among locals stocking up for the week, so the best time to go is in the morning before 11 AM, when everything is freshest, and you can beat the bigger crowds.
If you’re just browsing, grab a freshly baked pastry or a crêpe and wander through the aisles, taking in the sights and smells of real Parisian food culture.
Looking for a picnic spread? Pick up some Comté cheese, saucisson (French cured sausage), a crusty baguette, and ripe fruit—then head to the nearby Place des Vosges or the banks of the Seine River for a perfect al fresco meal.
👉 Pro Tip: The super photogenic street of Rue Crémieux isn’t too far away from Marché Bastille, so if you’re up for photographing one of the most famous streets in Paris, you can pair it with your visit to the market.
Palace of Versailles
This one’s definitely not off-the-beaten path by any means, but I’ve added it because it’s such an amazing place to visit. A lot of people miss the Palace of Versailles on their first visit to Paris, but I think it’s completely worth the trek, worth the time, and worth every penny.
I carved out an entire day for this attraction, took public transportation on my own early in the morning, spent 9 hours exploring, and ended up walking a total of 19 miles by the end of the day. One truly epic day.
There’s so much to see, from the main palace and vast garden grounds to the Grand/Petit Trianon. Words cannot describe how magnificent this place is, so I won’t try. Just see it for yourself, your eyes will thank you.
Don’t skimp on seeing the gardens! They often have classical music playing in each of the themed gardens, which adds another layer to how enchanting this place is. Also, save time for the Queen’s Hamlet in the Trianon Gardens.
For lunch, stop by the Angelina cafe they have onsite (if Angelina is on your list of places to eat, then you’ve just killed two birds with one stone). So many yummy and iconically Parisian desserts!
Tip #1: Even though the palace was spectacular and blew my mind, I would recommend spending the majority of your time at the gardens. I got there a bit before they opened, was the first one admitted for the day, and started at the gardens first while every else poured into the palace. I basically had the entire garden grounds to myself, which made for one of the most magical experiences in Paris for me!
Tip #2: Bring snacks with you— the grounds are so big, by the time you’re halfway through a garden area, you’ll likely have to walk long distances to get to a lunch spot. I wasn’t able to completely explore the Trianon gardens because I was starving by the time I got there.
👉 Pro Tip: You’ll need to wake up early (6-7am or so) to beat the crowds. If you aren’t going to be there right when they open, then opting for the skip-the-line tickets is a must. A skip-the-line ticket (or arriving early to explore the gardens first) will help you dodge the crowds and streamline your experience here.
Take a French cooking class
Let’s be honest. You’re going to come home from your trip to Paris and wish you knew how to replicate those flaky, crispy croissants.
Why not take a croissant baking class and take some new skills with home? If pastries aren’t your thing, take your cooking skills to the next level and learn how to cook authentic French cuisine!
You could be so cool (so French!) and truly impress your friends back home by preparing a meal for them.
Palais Garnier
Some of the buildings in Paris make you wonder how so much money existed back then to create such structures. One of those places is the Palace of Versailles. Another is Palais Garnier.
This 19th century Opera House is one of the most opulent buildings in Paris and is one of the most recognized opera houses in the world. The architecture is in the Beaux Arts style of the time, distinguished by heavy glass chandeliers, sweeping marble staircases and ritzy decorations. Now, it is home to the Paris Ballet.
You can either choose to watch an opera/ballet/music show there or simply take a tour of the grandiose building.
59 Rivoli
If you’re sick of the typical art museum but still love art, this attraction is for you. 59 Rivoli is part-gallery, part-studio, and part-celebration of artistic freedom!
Formerly an artist squat that had occupied the space since 1999, 59 Rivoli was legalized by the city from 2006 onwards.
The walls and floors of the building are covered in sketches and paint, and the spiral staircase is a sight to see as well. Each room is different from the next, taking on the style and feel of the artist inhabiting it.
On Saturdays and Sundays there are free concerts in the ground-floor gallery. Twice a year, the collective organizes a weekend-long music and art festival, filling the whole space with live music. Check it out, it’s totally free to visit!
Moulin Rouge
If you’ve got money to blow on your trip to Paris, Moulin Rouge is where you should spend that money! Despite it being touristy, experiencing the legendary Moulin Rouge should still be on your bucket list!
For those of you less familiar with Moulin Rouge, this is an iconic cabaret known for its dazzling shows set in one of the most glamorous venues in all of Paris.
Once you enter the front doors denoted by the iconic red windmill, you’ll be treated to a spectacular show of cabaret entertainment featuring extravagant costumes, high-energy dance routines, acrobatics, singing, and can-can dancing.
Throughout the evening, you’ll be thoroughly transported back in time to a world of glamour and sultriness — a must for people who love experiencing different periods!
Heed my warning, these tickets sell out quickly because this show is almost a rite of passage for people visiting Paris. You can buy your advance tickets here.
Pro Tip: Afterward, step into the streets and explore the rest of Montmartre’s nightlife, there’s so much going on in this neighborhood at night.
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